Country retreat caters to special clientele

By Wanda Combs

Diane Davidson has always been a pet lover, and so her newest vocation may not come as a surprise. She’s an innkeeper at a lodging establishment that caters to pets.

Buddy’s Boarding started receiving dogs about three months ago, but before then as the building was being readied, passers-by were stopping by and asking when the business would be open.

Davidson actually took over the name of the already established Buddy’s Boarding, which was operated in the Alum Ridge area, when owner Carma Peterson decided to sell and move to Hawaii. She “relocated” the services to Christiansburg Pike, at a site on her and husband Richard’s property, about two and half miles from Floyd.

Peterson told Davidson that she would be busy from now until October. “She said you’ll be full all summer and fall and be glad when February comes. I guess that’s when I’ll get my vacation,” Davidson commented. Davidson said she is already booking for Christmas.

The retreat is a perfect place for owners who cannot leave their pets at home or who want to bring them with them on their vacations to Floyd, Davidson said. People coming to FloydFest and here on vacation have discovered it. Davidson said B&B owners have become a good referral source for her when their guests inquire about pet lodging.

All kinds of dogs are welcome. Thusfar, pets have included everything from poodles to Great Danes. “I’ve had a Yorkie that weighed two and half pounds,” Davidson stated. And she’s had a Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Some pet owners prefer to bring their pet’s food for the stay, but if not, Davidson gives them the house special. “A lot of people bring toys,” she commented. One owner brought the dog’s towel from home. “It had his owner’s scent.”

At times there are dogs that must be given medicine. One dog was getting ear drops last week; another had to be given benedryll.

Each dog room is equipped with bedding and an outside run. The rooms are shut down at night. There are both small and large accommodations to suit the size of the dog. And there is one double-sized run, in case an owner has two pets he would like to board together.

Extra perks include a playtime with Davidson. “I will throw Frisbees and tennis balls or whatever they want.” Most dogs want her to be with them. “They won’t play on their own.” In that case, it’s a good time for her to exercise, too, she noted. “It’s my gym.”

The pets can also go to a doggie playground for a mental and physical break. The playground is a fenced area that is shaded by the trees. Davidson said the dogs love to go there and roam.

“This is their vacation,” Davidson added. So, she likes to make it all as homey as possible.

Cost is $15 a day for lodging and an extra $3 a day for Davidson to play with the dogs.

Davidson does require that all of the dogs have their shots.

She also asks owners to fill about a questionnaire about their pet. She walks dogs that are house-trained. And, she added, “puppies get extra attention. They have to go out more often.”

Davidson said she is pleased to offer a pet retreat that has a nice smell. “I don’t want it to smell like a dog kennel. I want it to smell like they have at home.”

Buddy’s Boarding has just begun a new service, too. Davidson and two assistants, Tonya Allen and Ada Chrisman, are grooming dogs.

Also, beginning in August, Buddy’s Boarding will welcome cats. Cost will be $12 a day. Davidson will be using cages from Dr. Chris Harman’s veterinary office. Dr. Harman (now deceased) was a Floyd veterinarian for many years.

Three days a week Davidson works at her other job, as executive director of the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce.

The Davidsons moved to Floyd from Charlotte, where they lived for 15 years. Richard is a physician’s assistant at the Carilion clinic in Floyd. He also helps out at Buddy’s Boarding on Saturday.

Diane worked as a vet tech at Blue Ridge Veterinary Clinic for awhile. In the past she was also a lab technician at the hospital in Galax.

The Davidsons have two sons. Paul, a market analyst, resides in Charlotte. Brian, who is working in DNA research, has a fellowship at the Smithsonian.

Diane said Buddy’s Boarding is benefiting by word-of-mouth advertising and repeat customers. “I have one pair (of dogs) that a lady is bringing again for the sixth time.”